gussy

[ guhs-ee ]

verb (used with object)

, gus·sied, gus·sy·ing.

1. to enhance the attractiveness of in a gimmicky, showy manner (usually followed by up ):

   a room gussied up with mirrors and lights.

verb (used without object)

, gus·sied, gus·sy·ing.

1. to dress in one's best clothes (usually followed by up ):

   to gussy up for the ball.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gussy¹

First recorded in 1935–40; of obscure origin

Example Sentences

But Spode is a character from pure planet Wodehouse—just as much as Aunt Agatha or Gussy Fink-Nottle.

From The Daily Beast

Then sixty-four legs trotted off, and only old Gussy went into the house; while the others went to the barn.

From Project Gutenberg

“Certainly I will, Gussy,” Fay continued in the same ebullient tones.

From Project Gutenberg

Gussy, it achieves the same effect without using any dope at all.

From Project Gutenberg

The gals then go thru a lot of moshuns, dansin the racket, and Gussy sets 'em up.

From Project Gutenberg

If we are to judge folk by their wames, gussy pig gruntin' in the trough wad be king o' men.

From Project Gutenberg